Patient Care and Emla Cream Application

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Questions and Answers

What is the typical duration for Emla cream to take effect?

30-45 minutes

1-2 hours

45 minutes to 1 hour (correct)

15-30 minutes

Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the intraoperative nursing care team?

Administering medications safely

Monitoring vital signs for deterioration

Diagnosing the patient's condition (correct)

Ensuring the sterile field remains intact

During which phase of surgery should the anaesthetic agents be stopped?

During the preoperative planning

As the procedure nears completion (correct)

Before consent is obtained

Immediately after patient positioning

What must be verified prior to the surgery in the holding bay?

Surgical site and patient identifiers Signup and view all the answers

Which nursing action is indicated to prevent Hospital Acquired Pressure Injuries (HAPI)?

Correct positioning of the patient Signup and view all the answers

What is a key element of communication for the nursing team during surgery?

Reporting variances and intervening promptly Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of providing touch and reassurance to the patient before general anesthesia?

To prepare the patient for surgery Signup and view all the answers

Which measure is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the sterile field during surgery?

Ensuring correct counts of surgical equipment Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary responsibilities of an anaesthetic assistant?

Monitoring airway devices and vital signs Signup and view all the answers

Which task is associated with the circulating nurse during surgery?

Participate in the surgical count with the instrument nurse Signup and view all the answers

What does the surgical safety checklist help ensure?

Reduction of surgical site infections Signup and view all the answers

How does an anaesthetic assistant contribute to anaesthetic emergencies?

By preparing and checking anaesthetic equipment Signup and view all the answers

What is an important task for the circulating nurse regarding blood products?

Labelling and sending for pathology Signup and view all the answers

What role does an anaesthetic assistant play in maintaining the patient's airway?

Monitoring airway devices and cuff measurements Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the responsibility of a circulating nurse during surgery?

Ensuring compliance with aseptic technique Signup and view all the answers

How is the patient's fluid balance typically documented?

On a dedicated fluid balance chart Signup and view all the answers

What is a key responsibility of the nurse in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU)?

Conducting a comprehensive medical & nursing clinical report Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following roles is NOT typically associated with perioperative personnel?

Cardiac nurse specialist Signup and view all the answers

When should the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) be assessed post-anesthesia?

Immediately upon arrival in the PACU Signup and view all the answers

In which role does a nurse directly oversee the surgical procedure environment?

Circulating nurse Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary focus of the preoperative assessment for nurses?

Evaluating patient's baseline vitals and history Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary responsibilities of the instrument nurse during surgery?

Passing equipment to the surgeon Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the recovery room nurse?

Monitoring surgical aseptic technique Signup and view all the answers

How does the instrument nurse contribute to surgical safety?

By participating in the surgical safety checklist Signup and view all the answers

What type of anaesthesia involves rendering the patient unconscious?

General anaesthesia Signup and view all the answers

Why is the surgical count performed with the circulating nurse?

To ensure no instruments are left inside the patient Signup and view all the answers

Which action is part of the instrument nurse's role in maintaining aseptic technique?

Anticipating the surgical team's needs Signup and view all the answers

What is an important aspect of documentation in the recovery room?

Details of the administered anaesthesia Signup and view all the answers

Which task is specifically associated with the responsibilities of the recovery room nurse?

Relieving nausea and vomiting Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary purpose of a tracheostomy?

To facilitate secretion removal Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is NOT an early sign of an anaphylactic reaction?

Elevated body temperature Signup and view all the answers

What condition can malignant hyperthermia lead to if not addressed quickly?

Cardiac arrest and death Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors can impair situational awareness in a healthcare environment?

Fatigue among staff Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main instigators of anaphylactic reactions?

Antibiotics Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following may indicate malignant hyperthermia?

Muscle rigidity Signup and view all the answers

What does situational awareness enhance in a healthcare setting?

Patient safety and decision-making Signup and view all the answers

What level of body temperature is considered a warning sign for malignant hyperthermia?

41 C or higher Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Preoperative Care

Emla cream (numbing cream) can be applied in advance for patient comfort.
Wait time for the cream to take effect is typically 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Importance of addressing patient distress during preoperative preparation.

Intraoperative Nursing Care

Patient identification and verification of surgical site, procedure, and consent are crucial.
Assess patient’s level of consciousness (GCS) and integumentary system.
Maintain the sterile field, ensuring the correct counts of surgical instruments and prevent Hospital Acquired Pressure Injuries (HAPI).
Safely administer medications and monitor vital signs and fluid loss during surgery.
Provide emotional support and reassurance to the patient throughout the procedure.

Completion of Procedure

Cease inhaled anaesthetic agents near the end of the surgery.
Administer reversal agents if muscle relaxants have been utilized.
Post-anesthesia assessment includes checking GCS and vital signs compared to preoperative measurements.

Roles in Perioperative Care

Key nursing roles: Anaesthetic nurse, circulating/scout nurse, instrument/scrub nurse, PACU nurse, and anaesthetist.
Importance of collaboration among perioperative personnel for effective patient care and safety.

Circulating Nurse (Scout Nurse) Responsibilities

Participate in surgical safety checklist and advocate for patient safety.
Ensure surgical room is prepared and all necessary supplies/equipment are available.
Monitor for breaches in aseptic technique and document intraoperative care and medication use.

Instrument Nurse (Scrub Nurse) Responsibilities

Prepare and organize sterile instruments and equipment for surgeries.
Assist the surgical team by anticipating their needs during the procedure.
Maintain surgical aseptic technique, handle specimens appropriately, and document care.

Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Responsibilities

Monitor airway, breathing, and circulation post-surgery.
Manage pain control and address nausea and vomiting.
Assess wound sites and manage patient’s fluid balance while maintaining documentation.

Types of Anaesthesia

Anaesthetics are classified into general and regional types, each serving different surgical needs.
General anaesthesia allows for long-term mechanical ventilation and secretion removal.

Catastrophic Events in the Operating Theatre

Anaphylactic reactions can be triggered by antibiotics or latex, requiring swift identification and intervention.
Malignant hyperthermia is a life-threatening complication indicated by muscle rigidity and elevated body temperature, necessitating immediate treatment.

Importance of Situation Awareness (SA)

SA involves perceiving, interpreting, and using information to enhance decision-making in healthcare settings.
Individual and contextual factors can influence situation awareness, affecting patient safety and outcomes.

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Description

This quiz covers the procedure of using Emla cream for numbing prior to medical treatments. It discusses the patient's inquiries regarding the application and the expected wait time for the cream to take effect. Test your understanding of patient care procedures involving numbing agents.